International cat day 2022: All you need to know about date, significance, history

International cat day is celebrated every year on August 8. The occasion is significant as it helps educate people and raise awareness about the essence of cats worldwide.

It is also honored to acknowledge the positive health impacts on humans that cats lead when they are made pets.

The mental health of humans is also positively impacted by cats when they are adopted as pets. This beautiful species reduces stress levels by promoting mental health. Cats aid in physical and cognitive functioning.

Cats have been in existence on the earth for millions of years. The first ones to domesticate cats were hunters and gatherers, who treated them as companions. Based on historical evidence, humans first domesticated cats some 5,000 years ago.

Cats have undergone thousands of years of evolution before becoming the present-day species with several physical and behavioural characteristics.

However, how cats have evolved over the centuries is an exciting topic among pet lovers. Several breeds of cats, both original and hybrid, are owned as pets. But their appearance has very few differences.

Cats' anatomy is similar to other felids. They have flexible bodies and teeth adapted to catch small prey like mice, sharp claws, and quick reflexes.

Compared to other animal species owned as pets, cats work differently. For instance, cats' sight is less sensitive than dogs, but they have a much better hearing ability. Besides, olfactory senses are also vital in cats.



There are many interesting facts about cats. They can move very silently, making them capable of hunting other animals and saving themselves from larger predators. A cat can jump up to the point that is six times its height.

As per a survey conducted on several cat owners, these pets sleep over 50 percent of their lives. Besides, more than 500 million cats are owned as pets worldwide.